lackluster

/ˌlækˈlʌstər/

/ˈlækləstə/

Lackluster is a compound adjective that means what it sounds like: if something is lackluster it lacks luster; in other words, it is without brilliance, shine, or vitality. Think dull.

Shakespeare gave us the compound lackluster, first using the term in his play As You Like It. In 2:7, the character Jacques says, "And then he drew a dial from his poke, And, looking on it with lack-lustre eye..." Since Shakespeare first coined this word, it has been used to describe anything "blah"; lackluster sales would worry shop owners and a lackluster prom dress might help you blend in with the wallpaper.

Definitions of lackluster

1. adjective

   lacking brilliance or vitality
   “a dull lackluster life”

   synonyms: lacklustre, lusterless, lustreless

   dull

   lacking in liveliness or animation
2. adjective

   lacking luster or shine
   “staring with lackluster eyes”

   synonyms: lacklustre, lusterless, lustreless

   dull

   emitting or reflecting very little light